Amidst a changing global geopolitical and geostrategic landscape, South Asia is observing shifting alliances. Augmenting ties between Iran and Pakistan is one of the major regional developments that could shift the regional balance of power.

A Landmark Visit Amid Post-War Diplomacy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan on a two-day visit on August 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Nur Khan Airbase, where he was given a 21-gun salute - a ceremonial honour underscoring the significance of the growing bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran.

This was his first visit to Pakistan after the recent Iran-Israel war. This visit marks immense global and regional significance due to rapidly evolving regional and global geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics. Pakistan and Iran share historic ties. The two countries have a long history of cordial relations. However, Iran’s close ties with India were seen in Islamabad with great suspicion.

Nonetheless, Pakistan’s unwavering support for Iran during the latter’s recent war with Israel further strengthened their bilateral relationship. Pakistan not only condemned the unprovoked Israeli attack on Iran, but it also extended its diplomatic support to Tehran during this conflict. In return, the Iranian parliament thanked Pakistan officially for its support against Israel. During the war, Israel persuaded the United States to attack Iran to expand the war to the whole region. However, Pakistan’s timely mediation in the war and its negotiations with the US and Iran resulted in a fragile ceasefire between the warring nations.

Strategic and Economic Cooperation in Focus

This mediation not only increased Pakistan’s significance for Iran but also elevated Pakistan’s diplomatic stature internationally. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan marks the beginning of a new era of cordiality between the two sides. Both countries acknowledge the need to increase bilateral strategic partnership and engagement due to the changing international geopolitical landscape. The two countries are also struggling economically, making it necessary for the two sides to augment their trade ties.

They also acknowledge the need to safeguard and maximize their national interest in a rapidly transforming regional and international geopolitical and geostrategic environment. Amid ongoing economic and diplomatic challenges, Islamabad has expressed readiness to deepen security and economic cooperation with Tehran while maintaining its recent rapprochement despite mounting pressure from the United States and Western allies. Pakistan’s improved relations with Washington can help Iran in defusing ongoing tensions with the United States.

Currently, the two states are encountering many significant issues, including cross-border terrorism, the US sanctions on Iran, and border security management, in their bilateral ties. During the recent visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan, the two sides have signalled their intent to resolve all the bilateral issues amicably. Both nations also showed their desire to expand their bilateral cooperation in various sectors. The statement issued from the Presidential office of Pakistan states that the two sides have “reaffirmed their commitment to further broaden bilateral cooperation in diverse fields” and “emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral ties in wide-ranging and mutually beneficial areas”.

The statement further read, “The two leaders exchanged views on major regional and international developments and stressed the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.” Reports suggest that during this visit, the Iranian President also signalled the country’s desire to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aiming to increase maritime trade through the Gwadar-Chabahar port. This will not only help Iran boost its economy but will also help expand its diplomatic clout.

Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Future Outlook

The two sides also held talks to enhance connectivity, transportation, and road infrastructure. The two countries are already members of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) railway project. The project was launched by the collaboration of all three member states. However, the operations of the railway project face numerous challenges. During this recent summit between the political leadership of the two countries, Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Railways, reiterated his country’s commitment to review the ITI Railway projects, adding that Pakistan will work on upgrading the Quetta-Zahedan railway track.

The two sides also agreed to enhance regional trade and economic integration. In a significant development, both countries signed multiple bilateral agreements and MoUs. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), “The two leaders exchanged views on major regional and international developments and stressed the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.” These developments will strengthen the two countries economically and strategically.

They will also enhance their diplomatic ties. Iran can assist Pakistan in gaining BRICS membership. By augmenting their bilateral ties, the two nations could navigate different regional and global challenges effectively. Moreover, the two states can also provide a pathway for regional connectivity to all the regional states. Pakistan can also help Iran strengthen its defense capabilities to defend itself against any future attack from Israel. On the other hand, collaboration with Iran can help Pakistan in reducing cross-border terrorism in Balochistan province.

Taut Bataut is a researcher and writer that publishes on South Asian geopolitics. Courtesy

https://journal-neo.su/2025/08/09/president-pezeshkian-in-pakistan-forging-strategic-and-economic-partnerships/